Translation guide
The English word 'blanket' refers to a large piece of fabric used for warmth, or metaphorically to something that covers broadly. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
A thick, warm cover used on a bed or for keeping warm while resting.
The most common word for a blanket, especially a wool or fleece blanket used for warmth.
It's cold, so please give me one more blanket.
I slept wrapped in a blanket.
Loanword from English, often used for lighter throws or decorative blankets, or in hotel contexts.
I put a blanket over the sofa.
Refers specifically to a duvet or comforter, but can sometimes be translated as 'blanket' in contexts of traditional Japanese bedding.
The blanket/comforter is too thick and hot.
Something that covers or affects a wide area or many things, like a blanket policy or blanket of snow.
Used to describe a blanket-like covering of something, such as snow or fog. Literally 'a whole surface of ~'.
It was covered with a blanket of snow.
Means 'comprehensive' or 'blanket' in the sense of covering everything, often used for policies or agreements.
Literally 'extending over the whole of ~', used for blanket policies or effects.
A blanket wage cut across the company.
A blanket with electrical heating elements.
Standard term for an electric blanket.
In winter, I can't sleep without an electric blanket.
A small soft blanket for a baby.
毛布 (もうふ) is the general term for a warm blanket, often made of wool or fleece. ブランケット is a loanword that feels slightly more stylish or Western, and is often used for throws or decorative blankets. In everyday conversation, 毛布 is more common for bedding.
Do not use 毛布 for metaphorical 'blanket' (e.g., blanket policy). Use expressions like 包括的 (comprehensive) or 一面の～ (a blanket of ~) instead.
I need an extra blanket tonight.
The ground was covered with a blanket of snow.
A blanket ban was imposed.
おくるみで赤ちゃんを包んだ。
I wrapped the baby in a blanket.